just a newbie from Lacombe

[mark]

Nice to be able to plan ahead.

Consider structure as well, such as tightening joist spacing below the tank, telepost placement etc.

Do think about non standard dimensions such as a deep front to back, as untamed or the classic but extreme Oregonreef.

I'll as give the standard advice, READ LOTS, but do search out build threads. Posts like Lando's and others you can get quite a bit from pictures. Even if not planning a CL, take a look at OM's picture forum as lots of layouts.

Also try to see some tanks first hand. Being able to talk about a system while standing in front of it can really be helpful.

[mike31154]

Welcome to the salty side. Yes it's not that popular/well known, but in my view that makes it all the more intriguing.

Just a quick comment on the window business. I know we don't get as much consistent sunlight as our friends south of the border, but down there, there are more and more marine aquarists experimenting with sunlight to light their tanks, solartubes etc. With a search I'm sure you'll stumble across some good threads on that. I often wondered why some aquarists were so paranoid about a little sunlight getting into their systems, after all, it's what the animals we keep evolved with over thousands of years. Even with the window closer to your display, in summer the sun is high so it would only receive indirect light. In winter, if it's a south facing window you'd get more direct sun, but it's so low on the horizon, that I don't imagine it would cause that much of an algae problem, particularly if your water quality is in good shape. My 2 cents on that. Some very good advice already in this thread for you and more to come I'm sure.

[Frenchie]

Welcome to the reef.

I have two pieces of advice for you, do lots of research, and be prepared for this thing to become an obsesion!

I don't think the window would be a problem.

I would be glad to help you out with the plumbing design when you get to that stage. Let me know what you need.

If you can post some of your design ideas as sketches you will get lots of advise.

[Doug]

Welcome
to
Canreef

Going to move to the reef forum.